If you’ve been a contractor, or have worked with contractors, chances are that you’ve heard about the trend of Spray Insulation, or using polyurethane foam for insulation. Experts call it one of the most environmentally friendly ways to insulate because spray foam is an extremely effective air, vapor, humidity, and noise sealant, reducing energy costs for building tenants. However, not all spray foam is created equal. Spray foam insulation will either be categorized as open cell or closed cell. The best fit for your home or business will depend largely on your tenant needs.

Open Cell Spray Foam

If you’ve seen indoor spray foam insulation, chances are that it was with open cell spray foam, or ocSPF. You may know this as half-pound foam or light-density foam. With this process, an installer uses a spray foam gun to fill cracks and crevices in a building (usually an attic) to act as an air barrier. This method is particularly popular for people who want some temperature insulation and sound reduction. The spray foam machine cost for ocSPF is also less than some of the alternatives, making it a sound choice for tenants and contractors looking to insulate on a budget.

Closed Cell Spray Foam

In general, closed cell spray foam (ccSPF) has a higher R-value than ocSPF, meaning that it has a medium-high density. This is also commonly referred to as two pound foam, and it creates a complete air seal when installed. When applied, ccSPF can insulate an indoor area both for temperature and for vapor. Because it’s so dense, however, its spray foam machine cost is significantly higher than its ooSPF counterpart. Be sure to talk to an expert before you buy to be sure that closed cell spray foam kits are the best fit for your needs.

When in doubt, it’s always worthwhile to consult with an expert to be sure that you are using the right spray foam for your building. Be sure to talk to a spray foam business about your needs from your insulation before you schedule your spray foam trailer visit.